Ukrainian LPG station network develops

LPG over CNG

Given the country's unstable situation in the East and substantial damage to infrastructure, LPG autogas proves much easier to distribute than CNG, since it only needs tanker trucks, not pipelines. Furthermore, LPG conversions are more affordable than their compressed methane counterparts, which is significant for many Ukrainian motorists. The market reacts accordingly and new autogas refueling stations and launched and constructed.

More demand = more stations

To be specific, expand is what the SOCAR network does. SOCAR Energy Ukraine, subsidiary of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR, is adding LPG dispensers to its existing locations across Ukraine. The coverage isn't spectacular as there only 34 pumps at SOCAR's stations, including six added in 2017, but the company doesn't mean to stop there as it sees soaring interest in autogas – sales increased by 40% in said year, so there's definitely potential for further growth. No wonder SOCAR wants to capitalise on it.

Giving customers what they want

The 34 stations offering LPG account for 58% of all retail points in SOCAR's Ukrainian network, with a goal to introduce autogas dispensers at all of them as soon as possible. All in all, LPG as motor fuel is currently available from approx. 3500 stations across the country, with 2,25 million autogas-powered vehicles visiting them regularly for fuel. SOCAR, present in Ukraine since 2008, plays a minor role in the market, but with more locations offering the increasingly popular LPG it's set to become more visible.